All About Falsetto

Updated on 6/11/2024

Falsetto is a term used to describe the higher register of the voice.

It is often described as sounding "high-pitched" or "thin."

It's the technique that most people want to know when they first learn how to sing.

In order to use falsetto effectively, it is important to be able to produce a good deal of vocal resonance.

This can be accomplished by learning how to control the larynx muscles or voice box.

One of the best ways to learn how to produce vocal resonance is to take singing lessons from a qualified instructor.

A good online singing lesson porgram will be able to help you develop the muscles of the larynx and teach you how to control them. 

That being said, we're going to share some tips and tricks on how to use falsetto as well as some common mistakes you should avoid.

What Is Falsetto?

Falsetto is a type of vocal register that allows singers to sing notes beyond the vocal range of their normal voices.

By extending the vocal cords and increasing air flow, falsetto produces a light, airy sound that is often used for melodic or embellishing passages.

Falsetto can be used by both male and female singers.

It is most commonly associated with male vocals due to the oftentimes more apparent difference between a male’s normal voice and falsetto. 

If not used and trained properly, your falsetto voice can sound forced, too thin, or amateur.

As such, it is important for singers to learn how to use falsetto effectively in order to maximize its potential.

While it may take some practice to perfect, the ability to use falsetto is an important tool for any singer.

Exercises for Strengthening Your Falsetto

A well-developed falsetto will answer the question of how to sing higher notes with ease and power.

It can also add a beautiful new timbre to your voice.

There are a number of singing exercises that can help you to develop a strong falsetto.

Some of these include breath control exercises, vocal slides, lip trills and vowel modifications.

Breath control exercises - Breath exercises help to develop the lung capacity and diaphragmatic strength needed for singing high notes with power and control.

Vocal slides - This exercise involves choosing a starter note and then sliding your voice all the way to the next octave of that note. This not only helps build your falsetto’s strength but also helps you transition from your chest voice to your falsetto.

Practicing scales - Just like if you were taking piano lessons online or lessons for any other instrument, you need to practice your scales. Start off with some simple major and minor scales in the key of A for instance and work your way up the scale. Once you’re done singing the scale in one octave, move on to the next.

Singing songs you enjoy - Practicing scales and exercises are great but what really helps improve your falsetto is consistently using it. If you don’t play an instrument consider using a backing track you can find online to sing along with. Alternatively, let’s say you’re learning how to play guitar then you can check out some easy songs to sing and play along to.

By incorporating these exercises into your vocal routine, you can take your falsetto to new heights.

Falsetto Song Examples

Based on the previous section you may be wondering what are some good songs to sing to train your falsetto?

We’ll here are a few examples you can use to get started:

Stayin’ Alive - The Bee Gees

Emotional Rescue - The Rolling Stones

Barbara Ann - The Beach Boys

September - Earth, Wind & Fire

I Wanna Be Your Lover - Prince

If you are looking for even more song examples of high pitched singing to test your falsetto skill, check out our post on the best karaoke songs for high voices.

How Can You Tell if You Are Using Your Falsetto Correctly?

There are a few ways to tell.

First, when you sing in falsetto, your vocal cords vibrate at a higher frequency than when you sing in your normal range.

This should produce a light, airy sound.

If your falsetto sounds throaty or strained, you are probably not using it correctly. 

Second, you should be able to sing in falsetto without losing control of your voice.

If your pitch starts to waver or you start to feel breathless, take a break and try again later.

With practice, you should be able to maintain a steady pitch and control your breathing even while singing in falsetto.

If you're interested in knowing how to practice singing the right way, check out 30 Day Singer for the best voice lessons online.

Finally, pay attention to how your falsetto sounds when it is recorded.

If it sounds thin or tinny, you may want to adjust your technique.

With some practice and experimentation, you should be able to produce a clear, pleasant sounding falsetto that will add richness and depth to your vocal line.

Common Mistakes Singers Make When Using Falsetto

While falsetto can be a beautiful and powerful tool for singers, it can also be misused.

Some common mistakes include singing outside of the vocal ranges you normally sing in, forcing the tone, and losing focus on breath support.

Instead of relying on proper placement and diaphragmatic support, singers will often try to sing falsetto by using muscle tension.

This can lead to strain on the vocal cords and a loss of power in the tone.

Additionally, many singers make the mistake of thinking that falsetto is the same as head voice.

While they are both light and airy, falsetto is produced in a different part of the vocal tract and should be used sparingly when first starting out to avoid fatigue.

Your head voice on the other hand is defined more as a mix between your head voice vs chest voice.

How Can a Qualified Singing Instructor Help You Develop Your Falsetto?

A qualified singing instructor or online singing lesson program can help you develop your falsetto in a number of ways:

First, they can help you identify any areas of weakness in your technique. 

Second, they can provide you with exercises and drills to improve your vocal production. 

Third, they can give you feedback on your progress and help you adjust your technique as needed. 

Finally, they can help you build confidence in your abilities and prepare for performances. 

By working with a qualified singing instructor or online vocal program, you can make significant progress in developing your falsetto.

In Summary

Strengthening your falsetto voice is a great way to improve the quality of your singing.

It can also help you project with more power and resonance in all of your performances. 

With just a little bit of practice every day, you can see a noticeable improvement in the strength and clarity of your falsetto voice in a relatively short amount of time.

So what are you waiting for?

Start strengthening those high notes today!

FAQ

Can everyone do falsetto?

Almost everyone can do falsetto, but it might take some practice. It’s a vocal technique that involves using the higher part of your vocal range, which can feel a bit unnatural at first.

How do you explain falsetto?

Falsetto is a vocal register that allows singers to hit higher notes than they can in their normal range. It’s often breathy and light, almost like a controlled squeak.

Can falsetto damage your voice?

If done incorrectly or excessively, falsetto can strain your vocal cords. It's important to practice with good technique and not overdo it.

What is female falsetto called?

Female falsetto is often referred to as "head voice." It’s similar to male falsetto but in a higher register.

Why is falsetto attractive?

Falsetto can be attractive because it adds emotional intensity and a unique texture to music. It’s also impressive because it shows vocal control and range.

Why does falsetto sound weird?

Falsetto can sound weird because it’s less full and more airy than regular singing. This difference can make it stand out or feel unnatural to some listeners.

Why is falsetto not allowed?

There’s no rule against falsetto, but some musical styles or traditions may prefer fuller, more natural vocal tones. It’s all about context and preference.

Why is it so hard to sing in falsetto?

Singing in falsetto can be tricky because it requires precise control of your vocal cords. It’s a different technique from regular singing and can take time to master.

Is falsetto bad technique?

Falsetto isn’t bad technique if used correctly. It’s just another tool in a singer’s toolkit, and many famous singers use it to great effect.

Can you scream in falsetto?

Screaming in falsetto is possible but can be very damaging to your voice if not done with proper technique. It’s best to avoid it unless you’re trained.

About the author: Cody is a writer for 30 Day Singer and the founder of Musician Tuts, a free tutorial hub for musicians. He has over 15 years of experience playing a variety of instruments and dabbling in audio engineering. He spends his days blogging, listening to Spotify, and playing music.